Fantasy Football: 5 bold predictions for Week 1

CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 30: Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) warms up before the preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals on August 30th 2018, at Paul Brown in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 30: Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) warms up before the preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals on August 30th 2018, at Paul Brown in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 12: James Connor #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 12: James Connor #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

4. James Connor will score over 15 fantasy points in all formats

The Le’Veon Bell contract situation has taken another turn this week. It’s looking increasingly likely that James Connor will at the very least get the start against the Cleveland Browns. There’s a chance that his opportunity gets extended as Bell could miss multiple games.

For this week, Connor faces a Browns team looking to get off to a fast start. They have added some nice pieces on both sides of the ball. However, that shouldn’t keep Connor from producing.

Connor had a strong showing during the preseason and appears ready to take advantage of Bell’s absence. Stevan Ridley is the only real option to challenge Connor for touches which won’t happen.

He’s in for a heavy workload this week and should put up solid numbers. The interior of the Browns defense is a little thin.

They are projected to start Larry Ogunjobi and Trevon Coley at defensive tackle. Ogunjobi had a strong rookie season, but is more of a penetrator than a space eater. Pittsburgh’s interior offensive line of David DeCastro, Ramon Foster and Maurkice Pouncey should be able to create space.

Connor is a prime candidate to put on in the end zone while racking up a good chunk of yardage.